Monthly Archives: January 2018

Upper Elem. FIC – According to Aggie; Evil Emperor Penguin; Danger Gang…; Smarty Marty…

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Beaumont, Mary Richards et al. According to Aggie. American Girl Publishing, 2017.  9781683370109. 115 p. $9.99. Gr. 3-5.

This graphic novel tells the story of Aggie Winters Frye, who deals with friendship issues in an elementary school setting.  The story is relevant to any girl who finds that her relationship with a childhood friend is changing.  Aggie’s friend Fiona begins avoiding Aggie and no longer wishes to join her on Friday Fun Day after school or go to the Ice-stravaganza.  At first, Aggie believes that she will be “unfriendable”, but she eventually becomes friends with a new student.  This is not a new story, but one that is meaningful to the intended audience who will easily relate to Aggie’s story. The graphic novel format is very appealing and the characters are from diverse backgrounds.  A short holiday story is included as well and readers can read more about Aggie in the American Girl magazine.  THOUGHTS: While this book is slight, the storyline and format will appeal to elementary students.

Graphic Novel; Realistic Fiction       Denise Medwick, West Allegheny SD

 

Anderson, Laura Ellen. Evil Emperor Penguin. David Fickling Books, 2017. 978-1-338-13274-8. 64 pp. $8.99. Gr. 2-5.

Evil Emperor Penguin, or EEP for short, is determined to rule the world.  With his sidekick, Number 8, and his minion, Eugene, he quests for world domination, but nothing ever seems to go quite right.  From “freezing” world leaders (but instead knitting them sweaters) to fear gas (that brings EEP images of his mother), nothing goes quite as planned, and everything goes awry when Evil Cat, EEP’s archnemesis arrives.  THOUGHTS:  This first book in a new graphic novel series is an elementary crowd pleaser.  Reminiscent of Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb, EEP is hilarious in his desire for world domination.  This is a fabulous addition to elementary graphic novel collections.

Graphic Novel     Erin Bechdel, Beaver Area SD

 

Bramucci, Stephen. The Danger Gang and the Pirates of Borneo. Bloomsbury, 2017. 978-1-61963-692-7.  375p. $16.99.  Gr. 4 and up.

Ronald Zupan is a master adventurer, the son of the famous Helen and Francisco Zupan. The only problem is that his parents have not let him come on any of their adventures. On the morning of his 12th birthday, his parents do not appear, and Ronald knows they are in trouble. He teams up with the family butler, the girl who beat him in a fencing tournament, and a pet boa constrictor, to go find them in Borneo. Much adventure ensues.  THOUGHTS: Written mostly in Ronald’s bold and exaggerated voice, interspersed with more realistic details from the butler, this tale is quite funny. It seems like it could be an annoying children’s book, but all three main characters grow and learn from their experiences. This would be a good book for 4th graders on up who like action, adventure, or funny stories

Action/Adventure; Humor     Toni Vahlsing, Abington Friends School

 

Gutierrez, Amy. Smarty Marty Steps up Her Game. Cameron Kids, 2017. 978-1944903084. $13.95. Gr. 2-4.

Marty, who loves baseball, is the score-keeper for her younger brother’s little-league team. Having taught him all she knows (which is more than most grown-ups) about her favorite sport, Marty is there to cheer him on! At one game the announcer doesn’t show up, and Marty has the chance to make her announcing dream come true. Some people don’t like the fact that a girl is announcing the game.  What will Marty do? THOUGHTS: This book is written by The San Francisco Giants in-game reporter Amy Gutierrez. The author knows what she’s talking about both in terms of baseball lingo, and what it’s like to be a woman expert in a male-dominated sport.

Sports              Emily Woodward, The Baldwin School

 

Elem. Series NF – Celebrating Holidays; Sharks; Ocean Life Up Close; North American Animals

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Celebrating Holidays (series). Bellwether Media, 2017. $17.95 ea. Set of 8 $143.60.  24p. Gr. K – 2.

Grack, Rachel. Chinese New Year. 9781626175914.

Grack, Rachel. Christmas. 9781626175921.

Grack, Rachel. Diwali. 9781618912725.

Grack, Rachel. Easter. 9781618912732.

Grack, Rachel. Hanukkah. 9781626175952.

Grack, Rachel. Kwanzaa. 9781626175969.

Grack, Rachel. Ramadan. 9781626175976.

Grack, Rachel. Thanksgiving. 9781618912770.

With vivid, bright pictures, this non-fiction series explains what each holiday is, who celebrates it, and the origins of the holiday. This collection includes global holidays that every child should be familiar with. Maps show where in the world the holiday is celebrated, and each has a handy pronunciation guide to help readers say the words correctly. This series explains when during the year the holiday is and shares traditions. THOUGHTS: This is a wonderfully put together series, appropriate for introducing global holidays to Kindergarten – 2nd Grade. I love the kid-friendly recipes they add!

Holidays; World Culture     Emily Woodward, The Baldwin School

 

Zoom In on Sharks (series). ABDO, 2018. $18.95 ea. Set of 6 $113.70.  24p. Gr. K-2.

Statts, Leo. Great White Sharks. 978-1532120084.

Statts, Leo. Hammerhead Sharks. 978-1532120091.

Statts, Leo. Mako Sharks. 978-1532120107.

Statts, Leo. Sand Sharks. 978-1532120114.

Statts, Leo. Tiger Sharks. 978-1532120121.

Statts, Leo. Whale Sharks. 978-1532120138.

This is a great introductory series on sharks for younger readers. For Kindergarten through first or second grades, these books provide facts about everything from body and food to maps of habitat and information on life cycle.  THOUGHTS: I enjoyed the quick stats comparing these sharks to everyday objects for the students (a tiger shark is shorter than a car, but heavier than a vending machine).

Nonfiction; Sharks      Emily Woodward, The Baldwin School

 

Ocean Life Up Close (series). Bellwether Media, 2017-2018. $17.95 ea. Set of 28 $502.60. 24p. Gr. 2-5.

Adamson, Heather. Emperor Penguins. 9781626176416.

Adamson, Heather. Lobsters. 9781626176423.

Adamson, Heather. Orcas. 9781626176430.

Adamson, Heather. Sea Dragons. 9781626176447.

Adamson, Heather. Sea Lions. 9781626176454.

Adamson, Heather. Sea Urchins. 9781626176461.

Leaf, Christina. Humpback Whales. 9781626174177.

Leaf, Christina. Jellyfish. 9781626174184.

Leaf, Christina. Octopuses. 9781626174191.

Leaf, Christina. Sea Horses. 9781626174207.

Pettiford, Rebecca. Crabs. 9781626174153.

Pettiford, Rebecca. Great White Sharks. 9781626174160.

Pettiford, Rebecca. Manatees. 9781626175709.

Pettiford, Rebecca. Puffer Fish. 9781626175723.

Pettiford, Rebecca. Sea Stars. 9781626174214.

Pettiford, Rebecca. Seals. 9781626175747.

Pettiford, Rebecca. Stingrays. 9781626174238.

Schuetz, Kari. Bottlenose Dolphins. 9781626174139.

Schuetz, Kari. Clownfish. 9781626174146.

Schuetz, Kari. Sea Turtles. 9781626174221.

Schuetz, Kari. Walruses. 9781626174245.

Schuh, Mari. Corals. 9781626175693.

Schuh, Mari. Parrotfish. 9781626175716.

Schuh, Mari. Sea Anemones. 9781626175730.

Sommer, Nathan. Angelfish. 9781626177642.

Sommer, Nathan. Eels. 9781626177659.

Sommer, Nathan. Sea Otters. 9781626177666.

Sommer, Nathan. Squids. 9781626177673.

Ocean Life Up Close is an extensive series that covers a diverse range of underwater animals. Up-close and colorful photographs for each animal increase the appeal for young readers. Recurring features include the “Species Spotlight,” which highlights one specific variety of the animal with basic information including life span, depth range in the ocean, the range of the habitat, and its conservation status. Other areas of focus include relative sizes and animal life-cycles, presented in an easy-to-understand and visually attractive format.  THOUGHTS: This series is wonderful for classes doing research, especially if each student needs a book. Each title presents a lot of quality information, informative for students and teachers alike, and is easy to understand, with bright pictures. The series is also ideal for a wide range of grades.

Nonfiction; Animals       Emily Woodward, The Baldwin School

 

North American Animals. Bellwether, 2018. $17.95 ea. 24p. Gr. K-3.
Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Canada Lynx. 978-1-62617-635-5.

Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Caribou. 978-1-62617-636-2.
Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Mountain Goats. 978–62617-638-6.
Borgert-Spaniol, Megan. Northern Cardinals. 978-1-62617-640-9.
Leighton, Christina. Bobcats. 978-1-62617-565-5.
Leighton, Christina. Cottontail Rabbits. 978-1-62617-566-2.
Leighton, Christina. Golden Eagles. 978-62617-567-9.
Leighton, Christina. Roadrunners. 978-1-62617-568-6.
Rathburn, Betsy. Diamondback Rattlesnakes. 978-1-62617-637-9.
Rathburn, Betsy. Mountain Lions. 978-1-62617-639-3.
Animal books are perennial favorites with students, which no doubt influenced Bellwether’s expansion of its North American Animal series for younger readers. Each one of these engaging titles features basic information about the animal under discussion, including physical characteristics, habitat, predators, reproduction, and diet. Diagrams and photos are present throughout the text to reinforce the presented information. For example, each volume contains a map illustrating the range and current conservation status of each animal, while a diagram compares the size of the animal to humans. Close up photos illustrate distinguishing characteristics of each species. (For example, the Bobcats volume featured close up photos of a bobbed tail, dark spots, and ruff, all identifying characteristics of the bobcat.) The text is enhanced by numerous high-quality photographs of each animal. A glossary and link for online resources are also included. THOUGHTS: These titles are ideal for the lower elementary researcher or casual reader. The photo selection in each volume is excellent – the images are so crisp and clear it feels like the animal is going to jump off the page at you! A note regarding the link for online resources found in the back of each volume. At the time of this review, this link was not working correctly and the recommended resources were unable to accessed. However, these titles are still a worthwhile purchase for the elementary school collection.
500s Animals        Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg SD

MS FIC – My Brigadista Year; Dragon Tea Society; Patina; Anne of Green Gables GN

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Paterson, Katherine. My Brigadista Year. Candlewick Press, 2017. 978-0-7636-9508-8. 198 p. $15.99. Gr. 5 and up.

There’s no stopping the inimitable Katherine Paterson, who is back with a succinct novel about Fidel Castro’s plan to make the entire country of Cuba literate in one year. My Brigadista Year follows thirteen-year-old Lora as she volunteers to be a teacher – a Contrado Benítez Brigadista – in the Varadero region of Cuba. Most Americans probably have no idea that Fidel Castro not only set out to make his country literate, but he succeeded.  The literacy rate went from around 65% to 98% in one year, thanks to his volunteer army. Lora’s enthusiasm for her task, her deep caring for her students – ranging from six to sixty – and her determination to see them all pass their tests (there are three), is moving. While the safety of Lora and her students is constantly in jeopardy by the bandidos who support Batista, it’s not at the forefront, and is fairly subdued. This is a quiet book about the power of words, and how the ability to read can literally change a person’s life. It also makes no bones about the US involvement with the Bay of Pigs, a forgotten slice of history, and how unfavorably the people of Cuba viewed America. A well-researched, fascinating window into the lives of the Cuban people in the 1960s. THOUGHTS: This is a very accessible historical fiction novel, with an appealing and relatable protagonist, and would be a great addition to any upper elementary or middle school library.  Highly recommended!

Historical Fiction     Lauren Friedman-Way, The Baldwin School

 

O’Neill, Katie. The Tea Dragon Society. Oni Press, 2017. 978-16-2010-4415. 72pp. $17.99. Gr. 4-8.

This lovely, full color, graphic novel will win the hearts of middle grade readers. Set in a fantastical world where most characters have at least one animal feature (horns, tails, etc.) Greta is learning blacksmithing from her mother. The art is dying out, but Greta is excited to learn. One day in the market she finds a lost little dragon. When she returns it to its owner, Greta learns that it is a tea dragon and that the art of raising, bonding, and drinking tea harvested from tea dragons is also in danger of being forgotten. Greta begins learning how to care for these creatures and in turn is accepted by three new friends. THOUGHTS: Based on a webcomic, this short and sweet graphic novel is wonderful. It treasures patience, inclusive relationships, and in this world it does not matter what you look like. A definite addition to any graphic novel collection!

Graphic Novel, Fantasy           Emily Woodward, The Baldwin School

 

Reynolds, Jason. Patina. New York: Atheneum Books, 2017. 978-1-4814-5018-8. 240 p. $17.99. Gr. 6 and up.

Jason Reynolds wins for most prolific author of the year, and his ability to transition from upper YA to middle grades is astounding. In his newest addition to his Track series, Reynolds gives us the story of the titular character. Patina lives in three worlds: her homeworld, her track world, and her school world. Patina’s home life is complicated; she lives with her aunt (“Momley”), who is white, and her uncle because her mother, who is a double-amputee due to diabetes, is too sick to care for her and her sister. School is a struggle for Patina; she attends a private school, and feels like a “raisin in a bowl of milk”. She can’t relate to her classmates, who she calls the “hair flippers” at all. Her track life is what she looks forward to the most.  She is a rising star, but needs to learn to control her emotions and connect with her teammates. This is a perfect book for middle grade readers; Patina is funny, honest, awkward, and emotional, and her story, full of emotional ups and downs, strong adult characters, and nuanced supporting characters, will resonate with every reader. Thoughts: Hand this book to any middle school student who is struggling to find their own voice and their own path. No need to have read Ghost, the first book in the series, in order to follow Patina’s story.

Contemporary Fiction; Sports      Lauren Friedman-Way, The Baldwin School

 

Marsden, Mariah. Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel. Andrews McMeel, 2017. 978-1-4494-7960-2. 230p. $10.99.  Gr. 5 and up.

This graphic adaptation of the entire Anne of Green Gables series touches on many of the stories of the original books and retains much of the feeling that I remember. Anne is an orphan who is mistakenly placed in a house that was looking for a boy.  She makes a place in the hearts of Marilla and Matthew and has many escapades while growing up.  Anne’s character shines through, as well as the brother and sister who take her in. THOUGHTS: This could be a jumping off point for young readers to indulge in reading the books, or for older generations to take a quick trip down memory lane. Either set of readers will enjoy reading about Anne’s exploits in a more simple time.

Graphic novel     Toni Vahlsing, Abington Friends School

YA Mystery – Genuine Fraud; Little Monsters; Bonfire; Truly Devious

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Lockhart, e. Genuine Fraud. Delacorte Press, 2017. 978-0-385-74477-5. 262pp. $18.99. Gr. 9 and up.

In her follow-up to We Were Liars, e. Lockhart masterfully creates a world of lies and deceit.  Told from the end backward, readers are introduced to Jule West Williams, a young woman living a life of luxury after the death of her best friend Imogen Sokoloff.  Imogen left Jule her trust fund after killing herself in London.  She also left Jule a mess to clean up, a flat, and an ex-boyfriend who wants answers.  As Jule explores her relationship with Imogen and her own existence, more questions about the truth arise.  What was the truth behind Jule’s and Imogen’s friendship?  What happened to Jule’s family?  How did Jule infiltrate Imogen’s life?  Is Imogen actually dead?  It’s hard to decipher the truth amongst all of the lies.  THOUGHTS:  Once again, e. Lockhart has created a masterpiece.  Her storytelling and writing is beyond match.  The use of the third-person limited narrator keeps the reader guessing as to the truth behind the lies. I couldn’t put this one down.  Lockhart certainly earned her many starred reviews with this one.

Mystery       Erin Bechdel, Beaver Area SD

 

Imogen leads the charmed life, but it doesn’t always feel so charming. She’s decided to leave it behind and live off her trust fund, traveling wherever she pleases for a while. Jule works hard and fights to fit in – to be what people want her to be. Connecting with Imogen and being invited to go along on her travels seems like the break she deserves. Jule isn’t what she seems, though, and together she and Imogen have a toxic friendship. Jule is willing to go great lengths to protect her friendship with Imogen, even if it means not playing nicely. With her suitcase tightly in her grip, and several wigs and passports at the ready, Jule is on the run, but from whom or what readers won’t know until the end.   THOUGHTS: Beginning at chapter 18 and told in reverse order then ending with chapter 19, Genuine Fraud is an intricately woven tale. Readers will rely on this unreliable narrator to figure out the details. Profoundly confusing and fast-paced at the start, readers will page through this story, determined to learn its beginning. Fans of Lockhart’s We Were Liars might also like this story. Violence and mature content make this novel suitable to older readers.       

Realistic Fiction, Mystery   Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD

 

Thomas, Kara. Little Monsters. Delacorte Press, 2017. 978-0-553-52149-8. 322pp. $17.99. Gr. 9 and up.

Kacey Young recently moved to Wisconsin to live with her father, step-mother, step-brother, and half-sister, all people she didn’t know until last year.  Now a senior in high school, Kacey has a “normal” life, a job, friends, and a decent chance at art school.  That is until Bailey, one of Kacey’s best friends, goes missing after a midnight visit to the Leed’s barn, a haunted site in Broken Falls, and Kacey becomes a prime suspect in her disappearance.  As Jade, Kacey’s other best friend, and Lauren, Kacey’s half-sister, both of which were at the Leed’s barn too, begin to become distant, Kacey is determined to figure out what happened to Bailey and clear her own name while fighting her own demons, the same demons that brought her to Broken Falls in the first place.  THOUGHTS: Kara Thomas does it again with a suspenseful mystery that looks deep into the raw emotions of humans and the breakdown of the human psyche.  Little Monsters is an excellent follow-up to The Darkest Corners.  Although there are some holes in the text, leaving readers wondering a bit about Kacey’s family, this novel doesn’t disappoint.  Recommend to mystery/suspense lovers who enjoy the criminal mind over the action-packed mystery.

Mystery      Erin Bechdel, Beaver Area SD

 

Ritter, Krysten. Bonfire. Crown Books, 2017. 978-1524759841. 277 pp. $26.00. Gr. 10 and up.

Erin Brokovich meets All the Missing Girls in this debut novel of psychological suspense from actress Krysten Ritter. Ten years after graduating from high school and ditching her small-town past, Abby Williams is back in her hometown of Barrens, Indiana. Now a lawyer with the Center for Environmental Advocacy Work, Abby is leading an investigation into water pollution and illegal waste disposal by Optimal Plastics. As the team uncovers a trail of corruption and cover-ups, Abby is pulled back into a decade-old mystery: the unusual illness and subsequent disappearance of her one-time friend, Kaycee Mitchell. Now Abby herself is experiencing mysterious symptoms. In Ritter’s deft hands all of the old rivalries, romances, and cruel games from the past repeat themselves on a collision course with the present. Readers will enjoy some truly harrowing moments along the way.  THOUGHTS: Teen readers who are familiar with Krysten Ritter from her starring role on the Netflix series Marvel’s Jessica Jones will be thrilled to discover her talents as an author!

Mystery/Thriller; Crossover     Amy V. Pickett, Ridley School District

 

Johnson, Maureen. Truly Devious. Katherine Tegen Books, 2018. 978-0-062-33805-1. 320 p. $17.99. Gr. 8 and up.

Private school Ellingham Academy is tucked into a remote Vermont mountainside. The school is known for encouraging some of the greatest minds – both academic and creative. Founded in the mid-1930s by wealthy philanthropist Albert Ellingham, a man fond of riddles and games, the school is free for those who attend, and the resources available to them are endless. Ellingham, his wife, and their young daughter live in the main house at the center of the school’s campus. When Mrs. Ellingham and Alice go out on a drive and  disappear, the only clue is a gruesome letter signed Truly Devious. Ransom calls come in, and Ellingham desperately does everything he can to rescue them to.  Nearly a century later, true-crime fan Stevie Bell is moving into Ellingham Academy, determined to succeed where all others have failed. Stevie feels like she has something to prove, though. While everyone else at school seems to have some incredible talent or skill, Stevie’s fascination with crime-solving, specifically her obsession over the unsolved Ellingham case, is what she was admitted on. When past and present collide, it seems Truly Devious may be closer than Stevie thinks.  THOUGHTS: Mystery fiction fans will love the blending of two stories, and be desperate to puzzle the clues together. While Stevie deals with being away from home; the pressures of a new, competitive school; and her anxiety, readers will watch her grow and come into her own. Underage drinking takes place, but consequences are also discussed. Initially, I was disappointed not to have all of the answers in book one, but I will anxiously await them in books two and three!

Mystery Fiction      Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD